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368
Novel • Fiction
United States • 20th century
1989
Adult
18+ years
Geek Love by Katherine Dunn is the memoir of Olympia "Oly" Binewski, an albino hunchback dwarf, who recounts the story of her family of carnival "freaks" engineered by her parents through the use of illicit drugs and radiation. The narrative alternates between the family's past traveling with their carnival, the Binewski Fabulon, and Oly's present-day life in Portland, detailing the rise and fall of her brother Arty's cult called Arturism. Themes of manipulation, abuse, and devotion are explored amidst the family's unique dynamics and struggles.
Dark
Unnerving
Mysterious
Gritty
Melancholic
72,750 ratings
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Geek Love by Katherine Dunn has been praised for its darkly imaginative storyline and unique characters, offering a deeply engrossing yet unsettling experience. Critics admire Dunn's ability to craft a narrative that is both bizarre and compelling. However, some reviewers find the content too disturbing and the pacing uneven. Overall, it remains a unique and thought-provoking read.
A reader who would enjoy Katherine Dunn's Geek Love is likely fascinated by dark, unconventional narratives and character-driven stories. Fans of Chuck Palahniuk's Fight Club or the eerie family dynamics in Jeffrey Eugenides's The Virgin Suicides will appreciate this novel's exploration of human oddities and complex relationships.
72,750 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Arturo Binewski (Arty)
Arty, known as Aqua Boy in his act, is the oldest Binewski sibling, born with flippers instead of limbs. He becomes a leader within his family and the founder of a unique belief system followed by a cult.
Aloysius Binewski (Al)
Al is the father of the Binewski family, who runs the carnival and is driven by the idea of creating extraordinary children through unconventional means.
Lillian Binewski (Lil)
Lil, the mother of the Binewski children, ran away to join the carnival and became known for her sideshow act. She later participates in Al's plans to produce exceptional offspring despite the toll it takes on her health.
Iphigenia Binewski (Iphy)
Iphy is one half of the conjoined twins, known for her gentle nature and strong bond with her twin sister, Elly.
Electra Binewski (Elly)
Elly is the other half of the conjoined twins, possessing a sharp tongue and an inseparable attachment to her sister Iphy.
Fortunato Binewski (Chick)
Chick is the youngest Binewski sibling, seemingly normal but with powerful telekinetic abilities that significantly influence the family dynamic.
Mary Lick (Miss Lick)
A wealthy and mysterious woman, Miss Lick's life mission involves altering young women's appearances to enhance their intellectual and professional potential.
Miranda Binewski
Miranda is Oly's daughter and an art student with a hidden family history, who unknowingly reflects traits of her unusual heritage through her art.
Horst the Cat Man
Horst is a devoted worker in the Binewski carnival, known for his care of the animal acts and his loyalty to the Binewski family.
Norval Sanderson
Sanderson is a reporter drawn into the carnival's world while covering the Arturans, providing an outsider's perspective on the carnival's unique lifestyle.
368
Novel • Fiction
United States • 20th century
1989
Adult
18+ years
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